Modular Gas Valve Automation for Retrofitting Ovens and Barbecues
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of universal automation solutions for existing gas-powered ovens and barbecues that can adapt to any conventional unit, as existing technologies primarily focus on built-in automatic temperature regulators without providing a comprehensive automation system.
Innovation Solution
A universal device featuring a variable gas intake valve driven by an electronic board with a temperature probe, allowing for remote control via mobile devices or web applications, and optional food temperature probes, which can be integrated into the gas inlet hose of existing ovens or barbecues to automate temperature control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a universal automation device is introduced for existing gas-powered ovens and barbecues, then automation capability and temperature control precision are improved, but device complexity and installation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The automation device is divided into separate modular components: a control module with electronic board and temperature probe, a valve module with gas control valve, and connection components. This segmentation allows the system to be installed on existing devices without requiring complete redesign, thereby improving automation capability while managing device complexity through modular assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The control module is designed with universal compatibility features including adjustable power supply voltage ranges (10-30V DC or 220V AC), multiple connection types for gas valves, and adaptable temperature probe interfaces. This universality enables the same device to automate various types of gas-powered ovens and barbecues, improving automation extent while avoiding the need for device-specific complex designs
2Measurement precision
If a universal automation device is introduced for existing gas-powered ovens and barbecues, then temperature control precision is improved, but adaptability to different existing devices decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control module incorporates adjustable parameters including power supply voltage (10-30V DC or 220V AC), temperature probe connection types (I2C, ADC, PWM), and gas valve control characteristics. These parameter adjustments allow the system to maintain precise temperature control (±5°C) across different existing gas-powered devices while adapting to their specific electrical and mechanical characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The control module acts as an intermediary between the temperature probe, gas valve, and power supply. It includes voltage regulation circuits, signal conditioning, and communication interfaces that mediate between different existing devices and the core control logic, thereby maintaining temperature precision while enhancing adaptability to various device types
3Ease of operation
If remote control functionality is added via mobile devices or web applications, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity and communication requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
A communication module with WiFi or Bluetooth capability serves as an intermediary between the control module and remote mobile devices or web applications. This intermediary handles all complex communication protocols, data transmission, and interface logic, thereby improving ease of operation with simple mobile app controls while containing communication complexity in a dedicated module rather than distributing it throughout the entire system
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables full automation of temperature control for any gas-powered oven or barbecue, providing precise cooking parameters and remote operation, enhancing cooking efficiency and flexibility while maintaining compatibility with existing devices.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature probe situated within the chamber
Implementation Method 2
a variable gas intake valve, that can be a variable electrovalve: by means of electric pulses, voltage variation; or a motorized valve
Implementation Method 3
the gas valve is driven by an electronic board that drives the opening of the gas flow by means of the output signal feeding the valve
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~5
Figure 6~11
AI summary
Universal device for the automation of gas-powered ovens, barbecues and devices comprising a variable gas intake valve (2) housed in a module of valve (3) having means for its coupling intercalated in a gas inlet hose (4) of the oven (1) and an electronic board (5) housed in a module of control (6) linked to the valve (2) and that drives the opening of the gas flow by means of the output signal the said valve (2) supplies, the said electronic board (5) being provided with connection with, at least, a probe of room temperature (8) located within the chamber of the oven or barbecue (1) the said module of control (6) having means of control and power supply (15). Preferably, the the valve (2) of the module of the valve (3) is a variable electrovalve (by means of electric pulses or voltage variation) or a robotic valve or a motorized valve. Preferably the module of the valve (3) is constituted by a wrapping box (9) provided with an input connector (10) (IN) and an output connector (11) (OUT) for its coupling intercalated in the hose (4) of gas of the oven, between respective input and output lengths of the said module (3), as well as a connection port (12) to connect an end of the communication cable (7).